Transfer news: Mauro Zarate not good enough for West Ham, says Sam Allardyce

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has hit back at Mauro Zarate's claims about his treatment at Upton Park by insisting the Argentine striker was "not good enough".

Zarate is set to move to QPR on loan having fallen out of favour at West Ham, despite having joined as the Hammers' first signing of the summer in June on a three-year contract.

The 27-year-old has made eight appearances and scored twice since joining from Velez Sarsfield, with his last action coming in the 2-1 win at West Brom on December 2.

"He wasn't good enough to play as regularly as he wants compared to the others. It's as simple as that," said Allardyce, responding to Zarate's claims that he had not been shown "respect".

"From a personal point of view, I'm better keeping my mouth shut and deal with it internally rather than joining in - clearly it's is a lad who's very frustrated about not being picked. But what he's saying is not true.

"When you look at what Mauro has achieved when he's played compared to what Valencia, Sakho and Carroll have achieved, how much he's contributed and what they've given and you've got that array of talent to choose from, then somebody's going to be unhappy."

Zarate saw West Ham's fellow summer recruits Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho preferred in the starting line-up, while Andy Carroll's return from injury and Stewart Downing's form in a No 10 role have also restricted his opportunities.

Allardyce said Carlton Cole, another Hammers striker who is struggling for first-team action, had set the right example for the way an out-of-favour player should respond to being out of the team.

"Zarate has had probably more chances than Carlton Cole," he said.

"Carlton Cole's one of my favourites. I love him, I think he's a fantastic pro, I think he's a great guy."

Zarate joined West Ham from Velez Sarsfield and has also played for Inter Milan and Lazio, as well as a loan spell at Birmingham.